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To learn more about including MAZON in your legacy plans, please see our Frequently Asked Questions below. If you’d like to speak with someone directly, please call our office at (800) 813-0557 or contact Rebecca Ward, Associate Director of Leadership Giving for more information.
The information provided below is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.
Q: What is planned giving?
A: Planned giving, also known as legacy giving, is a way for donors to make a significant charitable contribution through financial or estate planning. These gifts are typically made from assets, rather than current income, and can be deferred until after the donor’s lifetime or can provide income during their lifetime.
Q: Why should I consider a planned gift?
A: Planned gifts offer a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy and make a significant impact on our mission. They can also provide potential tax benefits for you and your family. By including MAZON in your estate plans, you help ensure our long-term sustainability and ability to continue fighting to end hunger as long as it persists.
Q: What types of assets can I use for a planned gift to MAZON?
A: Planned gifts can be made using a variety of assets, including:
- Bequests: A gift made through your will or living trust.
- Retirement Plan Assets: Naming MAZON as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other qualified retirement plan.
- Life Insurance Policies: Designating MAZON as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, or donating a policy you no longer need.
- Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs): A trust that provides income to you or other beneficiaries for a period of time, after which the remaining assets go to MAZON.
- Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs): A trust that provides income to MAZON for a period of time, after which the remaining assets go to your heirs.
- Real Estate: Donating appreciated real estate.
- Stocks and Securities: Gifting appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.
Q: Do I have to be wealthy to make a planned gift?
A: Absolutely not! Planned gifts come in all sizes and from donors of all financial backgrounds. Even a modest bequest can make a meaningful difference and help us ensure no one goes hungry.
Q: What are the benefits of making a planned gift?
A: The benefits of planned giving can be numerous and may include:
- Leaving a Lasting Legacy: Ensuring your values and commitment continue to support our mission for years to come.
- Tax Advantages: Potential income tax deductions, reduced capital gains taxes, and estate tax savings.
- Flexibility: Many planned gifts can be structured to meet your specific financial and philanthropic goals.
- Privacy: Some planned gifts allow for anonymity, if preferred.
Q: How do I make a planned gift?
A: The best way to make a planned gift is to consult with your financial advisor or estate planning attorney. They can help you determine the best giving strategy for your individual circumstances and help you draft the necessary legal documents. We are also happy to work with you and your advisors to ensure your gift aligns with your intentions and our organizational needs.
Q: Can I designate my planned gift for a specific purpose?
A: Yes, in many cases you can designate your planned gift to support a specific program, fund, or area of our work that is most meaningful to you. We encourage you to discuss your wishes with us to ensure we can fulfill your intentions. If you do not specify a designation, your gift will be used where the need is greatest.
Q: Is it possible to change my mind about a planned gift?
A: Many planned gifts, such as bequests in a will, are revocable, meaning you can change or modify them at any time during your lifetime. Other gifts, like charitable gift annuities, are irrevocable once established. Your financial advisor can provide specific details regarding the revocability of different gift types.
Q: What information do I need to include our organization in my will or trust?
A: To ensure your gift is properly directed, it’s important to include our full legal name and federal tax ID number (EIN) in your will or trust. We can provide you with this information upon request. We also recommend using specific language to clearly state your intentions.
Q: Who can I contact for more information about planned giving?
A: If you’d like to speak with someone directly, please call our office at (800) 813-0557 or contact Rebecca Ward, Associate Director of Leadership Giving for more information. She would be happy to discuss your options, answer any questions you may have, and help you explore how your legacy can make a difference. All inquiries are confidential.
The information provided is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.